Maker's 46, an upgrade of classic Maker's Mark bourbon
If all goes according to vacation tradition, I'll be sitting on a cabin porch in Northern Michigan most evenings this week swapping stories with family and sipping Maker's Mark on the rocks. That wax-dipped Kentucky classic - its amber brew mellower than some other bourbons thanks to a recipe with soft red winter wheat (versus hotter rye) - has long been the chosen spirit to ease our chats late into the starry night.
If all goes according to vacation tradition, I'll be sitting on a cabin porch in Northern Michigan most evenings this week swapping stories with family and sipping Maker's Mark on the rocks. That wax-dipped Kentucky classic - its amber brew mellower than some other bourbons thanks to a recipe with soft red winter wheat (versus hotter rye) - has long been the chosen spirit to ease our chats late into the starry night.
We're getting a little upgrade this year, though, with something both new and familiar - Maker's 46, the first new bourbon from the Loretto distiller in 52 years. Named for the winning experimental batch number, and just $10 more than the original, 46 starts with standard Maker's, but is given extra aging in barrels with added French oak staves that are lightly toasted, which brings out caramelized sweetness in the wood (as opposed to a more penetrating char that also releases bitter tannins.)
The effect is elegant and vivid. The true Maker's taste is still there, but it's more focused, with richer vanilla and more evocative spice. If only the conversation takes on such heightened, rewarding flavors, it'll be a memorable vacation.
- Craig LaBan
Maker's 46, $34.99, at select state stores in Pennsylvania (Code: 3368.)